Record funding round

28/03/2024

The last funding round of the year is usually busy, but this year was the busiest yet. We received 91 new project applications, requesting over £4.86 million in funding, including 21 applications for funding in Scotland and 69 applications in England. After the grants’ team assessed, reviewed, and scored each application, the Board still had some tough decisions to make.

Due to the volume of applications the Board were simply unable to fund all the projects recommended through the review process, however the Board did still award funding to a record number of new projects.

Through the FCC Scottish Action Fund, the Board approved funding for 8 applications totalling £214,780, and through the FCC Community Action Fund, the Board approved funding for 36 projects totalling £2,207,455. In addition to the above the Board decided to gift their interest earnings for the year to a charity who is also an Environmental Body, so a further £150,000 was awarded to the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley.

We are delighted to have been able to help so many applicants and look forward to working with them to progress their projects and manage their grants through to completion.

However, a record number of applications, means, unfortunately, we also had to decline a record number. Applicants who were unlucky this time round can always contact us for feedback, and where possible we can offer guidance on what can be done to improve their funding chances.

The current application round closes on 5 June 2024 for applications in both England and Scotland. To find out if your project is eligible and we can accept an application please click on Apply, and follow the prompts.

If your project is eligible, you will be directed to our online grant management system and can download a copy of our latest guidance. Please read this thoroughly as it contains important details about what you need to provide, and how to complete our forms.

Any applicant can call us on 01953 717165 to discuss their project, and we are always happy to offer advice and guidance.